Deuteronomy 9:15 — Word Study
WLCוָאֵ֗פֶן וָֽאֵרֵד֙ מִן־ הָהָ֔ר וְהָהָ֖ר בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּאֵ֑שׁ וּשְׁנֵי֙ לֻחֹ֣ת הַבְּרִ֔ית עַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֥י יָדָֽי׃
BSASo I went backpânâh▸ downyârad▸ [descended, went down] the mountainhar [the mountain of God] while ithar was blazingbâʻar [burning, on fire] with fireʼêsh [burning, flame] with the twoshᵉnayim [a pair, dual] tabletslûwach [polished stones, inscribed with the covenant] of the covenantbᵉrîyth [a promise, an agreement between God and his people] inʻal my handsyâd [an open hand; strength, a side or share]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וָאֵ֗פֶן | and I turned | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect first person common singular |
| וָֽאֵרֵד֙ | and I went down | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect first person common singular |
| מִן־ | from | Preposition |
| הָהָ֔ר | the mountain | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְהָהָ֖ר | and the mountain | Conjunction, particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| בֹּעֵ֣ר | [was] burning | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| בָּאֵ֑שׁ | with fire | Preposition, noun common both singular absolute |
| וּשְׁנֵי֙ | and [the] two | Conjunction, noun common both dual construct |
| לֻחֹ֣ת | [the] tablets of | Noun common, feminine plural construct |
| הַבְּרִ֔ית | the covenant | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| עַ֖ל | [were] on | Preposition |
| שְׁתֵּ֥י | [the] two | Noun common, feminine dual construct |
| יָדָֽי׃ | hands my | Noun common both dual construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | So I went back down the mountain while it was blazing with fire, with the two tablets of the covenant in my hands. |
| KJV | So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands. |
| ASV | So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount was burning with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands. |
| YLT | 'And I turn, and come down from the mount, and the mount is burning with fire, and the two tables of the covenant on my two hands, |
| WEB | So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire. The two tablets of the covenant were in my two hands. |
| BBE | So turning round I came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire; and the two stones of the agreement were in my hands. |
Translations agree on the essential meaning, with variations in phrasing.
The sentence has a main clause followed by several descriptive phrases, emphasizing the action of descending and the conditions surrounding it.




5 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbפָּנָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Deuteronomy 9:15
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Moses' Descent from the Mountaingenerated
Deuteronomy 9:15 describes Moses returning from Mount Sinai after receiving the tablets of the covenant. The scene is intense, with the mountain ablaze, symbolizing God's powerful presence. This moment highlights the seriousness of the covenant established between God and His people, as Moses prepares to address their disobedience, which he witnessed upon his return.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 32:14–15 | So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 4:11 | You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 5:23 | And when you heard the voice out of the darkness while the mountain was blazing with fire, all the heads of your tribes and your elders approached me, |
| 4 | Exodus 9:23 | So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt. |
| 5 | Exodus 19:18 | Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וָאֵ֗פֶן, va.'E.fengenerated
The verb פָּנָה (panah) means to turn or face something, indicating a change in direction or focus. In this context, it signifies Moses turning back to descend the mountain, highlighting his obedience to God's command.
The parsing as a sequential imperfect first person common singular shows that it is an action Moses is actively performing, emphasizing his role in the narrative.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses went back down and blazing with fire to convey the urgency and intensity of the moment.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb וָאֵ֗פֶן (and I turned) governs the structure, with a sequence of actions following it. The sentence unfolds with a prepositional phrase indicating the source of descent, followed by descriptions of the mountain and the tablets.
The word order emphasizes the intensity of the mountain's burning, which is central to the scene, while Moses' actions are presented sequentially.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates פָּנָה as ἐπιστρέψας (having turned), which conveys a similar sense of direction but may imply a more deliberate action of returning.
This choice indicates a focus on Moses' agency in the narrative, aligning with the urgency of his descent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Deuteronomy 9:15 recounts how Moses went back down from the mountain while it was burning with fire, carrying the two tablets of the covenant. This moment emphasizes the seriousness of the covenant and the divine presence of God.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The burning mountain represents God's powerful presence and holiness, indicating the seriousness of the covenant being established.
Moses highlights the tablets to emphasize the covenant between God and the Israelites, which contains the commandments they are to follow.
Moses turning back signifies his obedience to God's command and his role as a mediator between God and the people.
This verse connects to the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey and their relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of the covenant.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does it mean to you that Moses had to turn back and descend from the mountain?
- How can we understand the significance of the covenant in our lives today?
- In what ways do we see God's presence as powerful and consuming in our own experiences?
- How can we respond to God's commands as Moses did?
Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 9:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSo I turned and came down from the mount,.... As the Lord commanded: and the mount burned with fire; as it had for six weeks past, ever since the Lord's descent upon it; and so it continued, for the
Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 9 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryFurthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 9 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsDeuteronomy 9:15 So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant [were] in my two hands.Ver. 15. So I returned.] Yet not till he had first prayed and prevailed.
Read John Trapp on Deuteronomy 9 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(15) So I turned . . .—This verse nearly repeats Exodus 32:15.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 9 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges15. So I turned and came down, etc.] Exodus 32:15. and the mount burned with fire] A circumstantial clause: the mount all the time burning with fire: not in Ex. In the next clause D adds two to hands. 16a. Substantially the same as Exodus 32:19 a. 16b. Purely deuteronomic tradition: see Deuteronomy 9:12 b.
Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 9 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
So I went back down the mountain while it was blazing with fire, with the two tablets of the covenant in my hands.
So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire. The two tablets of the covenant were in my two hands.
So I went back down the mountain while it was blazing with fire, with the two tablets of the covenant in my hands.
So I turned and went down the mountain while it was blazing with fire; the two tablets of the covenant were in my hands.
Tyndale line
So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.
So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount was burning with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.
So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.
So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.
So I returned, and came downe from the Mount (and the Mount burnt with fire, and ye two Tables of the couenant were in my two handes)
Strictly literal
And I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire; and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.
'And I turn, and come down from the mount, and the mount is burning with fire, and the two tables of the covenant on my two hands,
And I turn and come down from the mountain, and the mountain is burning with fire, and the two tablets of the covenant [are] on my two hands,
And I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount was burning with fire; and the two tables of the covenant were upon my two hands.
So I turned around and came down the mountain, and the mountain was burning. The two tablets of the covenant were in my hands.
From the Latin
And when I came down from the burning mount, and held the two tables of the covenant with both hands,
Simplified
I went back down the mountain while it was still on fire, carrying the two tablets of the agreement.
So turning round I came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire; and the two stones of the agreement were in my hands.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree, with 11 of the 13 words matched. However, the Samaritan Pentateuch presents three variations: אפנה (turn), ארדה (descend), and לוחת (tablet), suggesting differences in the understanding of Moses' actions.
וָאֵ֗פֶן וָֽאֵרֵד֙ מִן־ הָהָ֔ר וְהָהָ֖ר בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּאֵ֑שׁ וּשְׁנֵי֙ לֻחֹ֣ת הַבְּרִ֔ית עַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֥י יָדָֽי׃
11 of the 13 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ואפנה וארדה מן ההר וההר בער באשׁ ושׁני לוחת הברית על שׁתי ידי
3 words differ from the Masoretic Text: אפנה (turn), ארדה (descend), לוחת (tablet)
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Deuteronomy 9:15
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
פָּנָה (panah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to turn, with various implications such as turning toward, away, or doing something. It can refer to both physical and figurative actions, like looking or regarding something. The entries indicate it can also mean to decline or approach, and it has different forms, including Qal, Piel, and Hiphil, each with specific nuances.
פָּנָה 135 vb. turn
Qal 117
turn toward
turn from
turn and do a thing
turn, decline
turn toward, approach
turn and look, look
of inanimate things, face
esp. fig. look at, regard
look for = expect
fig. look at = consider
Hiph.
turn
make a turn, shew (signs of) turning
Hoph. be ye turned back!
base
H6437 פָּנָה turn .. . turn toward
. turn from
. turn and do a thing
. turn, decline
. turn toward, approach
. . turn and look, look
. of inanimate things, face
. esp. fig. look at, regard
. look for = expect
. fig. look at = consider
. . turn
. make a turn, shew (signs of) turning
. be ye turned back!
6437 panah paw-naw'
a primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e.
appear, look, etc.:--appear, at (even-)tide, behold, cast
out, come on, X corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look,
mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to),
(re-)turn (aside, away, back, face, self), X right (early).
פָּנָה (pa.nah) — to turn.
1) to turn
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to turn toward or from or away
1a2) to turn and do
1a3) to turn, decline (of day)
1a4) to turn toward, approach (of evening)
1a5) to turn and look, look, look back or at or after or for
1b) (Piel) to turn away, put out of the way, make clear, clear away
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to turn
1c2) to make a turn, show signs of turning, turn back
1d) (Hophal) to be turned back
פָּנָה (pa.nah) — Corner (Gate).
This name means corner, to turn, to turn back
Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect first person common singularHc/Vqw1cs
The Hebrew word יָרַד (yarad) means to come or go down, covering various contexts such as descending from mountains, going to battle, or sinking in water. It can also refer to divine manifestations descending or being prostrated. The word has different forms including Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, which indicate various nuances of bringing down or being brought down.
יָרַד 380 vb. come or go down, descend
Qal 306
come or go down
go down (usu. from mountain or hill-country into plain), to battle
go down to (acc.) threshing-floor
go down (abs.) from Palestine to Egypt
from Jerusalem
from altar
go down
= sink, in water
go down to She’ôl
fig. going down (dissolving) in tears
= be prostrated
of divine manifestations: descend
of inanimate things
Hiph.
cause to come or go down
bring down
send down rain = cause to flow down
= lay prostrate to (acc.) threshing-floor
bring down to She’ôl
take down (from cart)
let down
Hoph.
be brought down
be taken down
base
H3381 יָרַד come or go down, descend .. . come or go down
. go down (usu. from mountain or hill-country into plain), to battle
. go down to (acc.) threshing-floor
. go down (abs.) from Palestine to Egypt
. from Jerusalem
. from altar
. go down
. = sink, in water
. go down to She’ôl
. fig. going down (dissolving) in tears
. = be prostrated
. of divine manifestations: descend
. of inanimate things
. . cause to come or go down . bring down
. send down rain = cause to flow down
. = lay prostrate to (acc.) threshing-floor
. bring down to She’ôl
. take down (from cart)
. let down
. . be brought down
. be taken down
3381 yarad yaw-rad'
a primitive root; to descend (literally, to go downwards; or
conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary,
the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); causatively, to
bring down (in all the above applications); -X abundantly,
bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down,
fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, X
indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to,
let) run down, sink, subdue, take down.
יָרַד (ya.rad) — to go down.
1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go or come down
1a2) to sink
1a3) to be prostrated
1a4) to come down (of revelation)
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to bring down
1b2) to send down
1b3) to take down
1b4) to lay prostrate
1b5) to let down
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be brought down
1c2) to be taken down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect first person common singularHc/Vqw1cs
The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.
מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not
with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal
from, against
מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
of position, off, on the side of, on
Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
Partitively
Of time—
as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
towards, to
(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
In comparisons, beyond, above
מן is prefixed to an infin.:
with causal force, from, on account of, through
after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
with a temporal force, since, after
Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
In compounds:
base
H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against
. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
. of position, off, on the side of, on
. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
. Partitively
. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
. towards, to
. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
. In comparisons, beyond, above
. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through
. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
. with a temporal force, since, after
. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
4480 min min
or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)
{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;
hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as
follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason
of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,
since, X then, through, X whether, with.
see HEBREW for 04482
מִן־ (min) — from.
prep
1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than
1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of
1b) out of
1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)
1b2) (of material from which something is made)
1b3) (of source or origin)
1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)
1d) from, since, after (of time)
1e) than, more than (in comparison)
1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or
1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)
1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)
conj
2) that
Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
מֵן (men) — portion.
n.m.
portion
HR — PrepositionHR
הַר (har) means 'mountain' or 'hill,' and can refer to a range of hills or hill-country. It is derived from a root that suggests elevation and can be used figuratively. The entries consistently highlight its geographical connotations without significant disagreement.
הַר 568 n.m. mountain, hill, hill-country
mountain, hill
hill-country, mountain-region
base
H2022 הַר mountain, hill, hill-country
2022 har har
a shortened form of 2042; a mountain or range of hills
(sometimes used figuratively):--hill (country), mount(-ain), X
promotion.
see HEBREW for 02042
הַר (har) — mountain: mount.
: mount/hill
hill, mountain, hill country, mount
הַר (har) — mountain: hill country.
: hill_country
hill, mountain, hill country, mount
A sub-meaning of har (הַר ": mount" H2022)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
הַר (har) means 'mountain' or 'hill,' and can refer to a range of hills or hill-country. It is derived from a root that suggests elevation and can be used figuratively. The entries consistently highlight its geographical connotations without significant disagreement.
הַר 568 n.m. mountain, hill, hill-country
mountain, hill
hill-country, mountain-region
base
H2022 הַר mountain, hill, hill-country
2022 har har
a shortened form of 2042; a mountain or range of hills
(sometimes used figuratively):--hill (country), mount(-ain), X
promotion.
see HEBREW for 02042
הַר (har) — mountain: mount.
: mount/hill
hill, mountain, hill country, mount
הַר (har) — mountain: hill country.
: hill_country
hill, mountain, hill country, mount
A sub-meaning of har (הַר ": mount" H2022)
Conj | Art | N-ms — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncmsa
The Hebrew word בָּעַר (ba'ar) has two primary meanings: to burn or consume, and to be brutish or stupid. It encompasses actions related to fire, such as kindling and burning, as well as figurative uses like consuming guilt. Additionally, it can denote a state of dullness or lack of receptiveness. The lexicons provide various nuances, particularly in how the burning aspect can relate to wrath or destruction.
[בָּעַר] vb. burn, consume
Qal burn
Pi.
kindle
burn
fig. consume, utterly remove
Pu. burn (i.e. be supplied with fire), of fire-jar
Hiph.
kindle
burn up
base
[בָּעַר] vb. denom. be brutish
Qal be stupid, dull-hearted, unreceptive
Niph. brutish, stupid
Pi. feed, graze
Hiph. cause to be grazed over
base
H1197a [בָּעַר] burn, consume .burn
. . kindle
. burn
. fig. consume, utterly remove
. burn (i.e. be supplied with fire), of fire-jar
. . kindle
. burn up
H1197b [בָּעַר] vb. denom. be brutish .be stupid, dull-hearted, unreceptive
. brutish, stupid
. feed, graze
. cause to be grazed over
1197 ba`ar baw-ar'
a primitive root; to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by
eating); also (as denominative from 1198) to be(-come)
brutish:--be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to)
eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set ((on fire)), waste.
see HEBREW for 01198
בָּעַר (ba.ar) — to burn: burn.
: burn/ignite
1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning
1a2) to burn, be burning
1a3) to burn, consume
1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to kindle, burn
1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.)
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to kindle
1c2) to burn up
1c3) to consume (destroy)
1d) (Pual) to burn
בָּעַר (ba.ar) — be brutish.
v denom
1) to be stupid, brutish, barbarous
1a) (Qal) to be stupid, dull-hearted, unreceptive
1b) (Niphal) to be stupid, dull-hearted
1c) (Piel) to feed, graze
1d) (Hiphil) to cause to be grazed over
בָּעַר (ba.ar) — to burn: destroy.
: destroy
1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning
1a2) to burn, be burning
1a3) to burn, consume
1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to kindle, burn
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularHVqrmsa
→ As a punishment
→ See PUNISHMENT
אֵשׁ (esh) means 'fire' and encompasses various types, including natural fire, supernatural fire associated with divine appearances, and fire used for cooking or on altars. It can also figuratively represent God's anger. The entries consistently highlight its literal and metaphorical uses, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.
אֵשׁ 377 n.f. fire
fire, of conflagration
of supernatural fire
fire for cooking, roasting, parching
esp. of altar fire
fig. of Yahweh's anger
in various combinations
base
H784 אֵשׁ fire . fire, of conflagration
. of supernatural fire
. fire for cooking, roasting, parching
. esp. of altar fire
. fig. of Yahweh's anger
. in various combinations
784 'esh aysh
a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively):--
burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot.
אֵשׁ (esh) — fire.
1) fire
1a) fire, flames
1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany)
1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching)
1d) altar-fire
1e) God's anger (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common both singular absoluteHRd/Ncbsa
fir ('esh; pur):
These are the common words for fire, occurring very frequently. 'Ur, "light" (Isa 24:15 the King James Version; compare the Revised Version (British and American); Isa 31:9, and see FIRES), nur (Aramaic) (Da 3:22 ff) are found a few times, also 'eshshah (Jer 6:29), and be`erah (Ex 22:6), once each. Ac 28:2,3 has pura, "pyre," and Mr 14:54; Lu 22:56, phos, "light," the Revised Version (British and American) "in the light (of the fire)." "To set…
Fire
(1.) For sacred purposes. The sacrifices were consumed by fire (Gen. 8:20). The ever-burning fire on the altar was first kindled from heaven (Lev. 6:9, 13; 9:24), and afterwards rekindled at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (2 Chr. 7:1, 3). The expressions “fire from heaven” and “fire of the Lord” generally denote lightning, but sometimes also the fire of the altar was so called (Ex. 29:18; Lev. 1:9; 2:3; 3:5, 9).
Fire for a sacred purpose obtained otherwise than from the altar was called “strange fire” (Lev. 10:1, 2;
is represented as the symbol of Jehovah’s presence and the instrument of his power, in the way either of approval or of destruction. (Exodus 3:2; 14:19) etc. There could not be a better symbol for Jehovah than this of fire, it being immaterial, mysterious, but visible, warming, cheering, comforting, but also terrible and consuming. Parallel with this application of fire and with its symbolical meaning are to be noted the similar use for sacrificial purposes and the respect paid to it, or to the heavenly bodies as symbols of deity, which prevailed among so many nations of antiquity, and of which the traces are not even now extinct; e.g. the Sabean and Magian systems of worship. (Isaiah 27:9) Fire for sacred purposes obtained elsewhere than from the altar was called "strange fire," and for the use of such Nadab and Abihu were punished…
In Scripture, is often connected with the presence of Jehovah; as in the burning bush, and on Mount Sinai, Ex 3:2 19:18 Ps 18:1-50 Hab 1:1-3:19. The second coming of Christ will be "in flaming fire," 2Th 1:8. In the New Testament it illustrates the enlightening, cheering, and purifying agency of the Holy Spirit, Mt 3:11 Ac 2:3. By sending fire from heaven to consume sacrifices, God often signified his acceptance of them: as in the case of Abel, Ge 4:4; Abraham, Ge…
שְׁנַ֫יִם (shnayim) means 'two' and serves as both a cardinal and ordinal number. It can denote 'both,' 'double,' or 'twice,' and is used in various combinations with other numbers. The word is derived as a dual form of שָׁנָה (shanah), which relates to the concept of pairs.
שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם 768 n.m. et f. du. two
base
H8147 שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם two
8147 shnayim shen-ah'-yim
dual of 8145; feminine shttayim {shet-tah'-yim}; two; also
(as ordinal) twofold:--both, couple, double, second, twain, +
twelfth, + twelve, + twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.
see HEBREW for 08145
שְׁנַ֫יִם (she.na.yim) — two.
1) two
1a) two (the cardinal number)
1a1) two, both, double, twice
1b) second (the ordinal number)
1c) in combination with other numbers
1d) both (a dual number)
Conj | Adj — Conjunction · noun common both dual constructHC/Ncbdc
too.
See NUMBER.
לוּחַ (luwach) refers to a tablet, board, or plate, typically made of stone, wood, or metal. It is notably associated with the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. The entries highlight its use for various types of surfaces, including wooden boards and metal plates, particularly in the context of Solomon's temple.
לוּחַ n.m. tablet, board or plank, plate
chiefly of stone tablets on which ten words were written
wooden boards; planks
(metal) plates on bases of lavers in Solomon’s temple
base
H3871 לוּחַ tablet, board or plank, plate
3871 luwach loo'-akh
or luach {loo'-akh}; from a primitive root; probably meaning
to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or
metal:--board, plate, table.
לוּחַ (lu.ach) — tablet.
1) board, slab, tablet, plank
1a) tablets (of stone)
1b) boards (of wood)
1c) plate (of metal)
N-mp — Noun common · feminine plural constructHNcfpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
בְּרִית (berith) means 'covenant' and encompasses agreements between individuals, such as treaties and alliances, as well as divine covenants between God and humanity. It is derived from a root meaning 'to cut,' suggesting the seriousness of such agreements. The term appears in various contexts, including friendships, marriages, and formal ordinances.
בְּרִית 285 n.f. covenant
between men.
treaty, alliance, league
constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects
agreement, pledge
alliance of friendship between David and Jonathan
alliance of marriage
between God and man.
alliance of friendship
covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges
Phrases.
covenant making
covenant keeping
covenant violation
base
H1285 בְּרִית covenant . between men. . treaty, alliance, league
. constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects
. agreement, pledge
. alliance of friendship between David and Jonathan
. alliance of marriage
. between God and man. . alliance of friendship
. covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges
. Phrases. . covenant making
. covenant keeping
. covenant violation
1285 briyth ber-eeth'
from 1262 (in the sense of cutting (like 1254)); a compact
(because made by passing between pieces of
flesh):--confederacy, (con-)feder(-ate), covenant, league.
see HEBREW for 01262
see HEBREW for 01254
בְּרִית (be.rit) — covenant.
1) covenant, alliance, pledge
1a) between men
1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man)
1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects)
1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man)
1a4) alliance (of friendship)
1a5) alliance (of marriage)
1b) between God and man
1b1) alliance (of friendship)
1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges)
2) (phrases)
2a) covenant making
2b) covenant keeping
2c) covenant violation
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
Covenant
A contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word berith is always thus translated. Berith is derived from a root which means “to cut,” and hence a covenant is a “cutting,” with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Gen. 15; Jer. 34:18, 19).
The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is diatheke, which is, however, rendered “testament” generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word berith of the Old Testament, “covenant.”
This word is used (1) of a covenant or compact between man and man (Gen. 21:32), or between tribes or nations (1 Sam.…
The Heb. berith means primarily "a cutting," with reference to the custom of cutting or dividing animals in two and passing between the parts in ratifying a covenant. (Genesis 15; Jeremiah 34:18,19) In the New Testament the corresponding word is diathece (diatheke), which is frequently translated testament in the Authorized Version. In its biblical meaning two parties the word is used-- Of a covenant between God and man; e.g. God covenanted with Noah, after the flood, that a like judgment should not be repeated. It is not precisely like a covenant between men, but was a promise or agreement by God. The principal covenants are the covenant of works --God promising to save and bless men on condition of perfect obedience --and the covenant of grace , or God’s promise to save men on condition of their believing in Christ and receiving…
The word testamentum is often used in Latin to express the Hebrew word which signifies covenant; whence the titles, Old and New Testaments, are used to denote the old and new covenants. See TESTAMENT.
A covenant is properly an agreement between two parties. Where one of the parties is infinitely superior to the other, as in a covenant between God and man, there God’s covenant assumes the nature of a promise, Isa 59:21 Jer 31:33,34 Ga 3:15-18. The first covenant with the Hebrews was made when the Lord chose Abraham and his posterity for his people; a second covenant, or a solemn renewal of the former, was made at Sinai, comprehending all who observe the law of Moses. The "new covenant" of which Christ is the Mediator and…
→ Sacred Jos 9:18-21; Ga 3:15
→ Binding Jos 9:18-20; Jer 34:8-21; Eze 17:14-18; Ga 3:15
→ Binding, not only on those who make them, but on those who are represented De 29:14,15
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep — PrepositionHR
On
Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…
(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…
See HELIOPOLIS.
pain; force; iniquity
שְׁנַ֫יִם (shnayim) means 'two' and serves as both a cardinal and ordinal number. It can denote 'both,' 'double,' or 'twice,' and is used in various combinations with other numbers. The word is derived as a dual form of שָׁנָה (shanah), which relates to the concept of pairs.
שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם 768 n.m. et f. du. two
base
H8147 שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם two
8147 shnayim shen-ah'-yim
dual of 8145; feminine shttayim {shet-tah'-yim}; two; also
(as ordinal) twofold:--both, couple, double, second, twain, +
twelfth, + twelve, + twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.
see HEBREW for 08145
שְׁנַ֫יִם (she.na.yim) — two.
1) two
1a) two (the cardinal number)
1a1) two, both, double, twice
1b) second (the ordinal number)
1c) in combination with other numbers
1d) both (a dual number)
HNcfdc — Noun common · feminine dual constructHNcfdc
too.
See NUMBER.
יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
יָד 1604 n.f. hand
hand
Fig. = strength, power
Fig. = side
יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—
sign, monument
part, fractional part or share
time, repetition
axle-trees
stays, supports for laver
tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
a (beckoning) hand
יַד with prep.
base
H3027 יָד hand . hand
. Fig. = strength, power
. Fig. = side
. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument
. part, fractional part or share
. time, repetition
. axle-trees
. stays, supports for laver
. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
. a (beckoning) hand
. יַד with prep.
3027 yad yawd
a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed
one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of
applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate
and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,
at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,
(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +
creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,
force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,
labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,
ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,
power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,
draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by
them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,
+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,
יָד (yad) — hand.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: power.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
N-cd | Suff — Noun common both dual construct · suffixHNcbdc/Sp1bs
